Pioneer Hi-Bred announces personnel changes in Canada

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, announced the introduction of Eastern and Western Canada commercial units with responsibility for sales and marketing, production, and research.

Pioneer, Canada's leading seed company, also plans to add a number of positions over the next five years, including agronomists, research scientists, production technicians and sales professionals.

"As the world's second largest country, Canada has a vast geography and varied growing conditions. The addition of two dedicated commercial units will deliver more focused and defined market approaches for our growers in the East and West," says Ian Grant, president, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. "The ultimate goal is to position Pioneer even closer to our customers, providing unmatched levels of service."

Bryce Eger has been appointed business director, Eastern Canada commercial unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. Eger joined Pioneer in 2009 as the national sales manager. He holds a Bachelor's degree in economics from Brandon University. The eastern commercial unit will be based in Chatham.

Greg Stokke has been appointed business director, Western Canada commercial unit, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited. Stokke joined Pioneer in 2005 as an account manager and most recently held the position of marketing manager for Western Canada. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. The western commercial unit will be based in Saskatoon, SK.

"Pioneer will benefit from the energetic leadership of Bryce and Greg as we proactively position the business to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities in agriculture today," asserts Grant. "They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their new roles."

The Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited head office and a number of national positions will relocate from Chatham to the new DuPont Canada headquarters scheduled to open this fall in Mississauga.

"A shared Canadian headquarters improves integration and alignment within DuPont," says Grant.

In response to the growing global demand for increased food production, Pioneer expects to add approximately 4,000 positions over the next five years globally.

"Since 2008 Pioneer in Canada has doubled the size of its workforce from 200 positions to over 400 today," says Grant. "We look forward to adding even more jobs in the thriving agriculture industry."

In addition, DuPont recently indicated its commitment to invest $10 billion in research and development, and 4,000 new product introductions by the end of 2020 toward the accomplishment of its food goals.